Hydraulically Powered Lid Lock Assembly

ABSTRACT

A lid lock assembly for a washing machine appliance is provided. The lid lock assembly includes a lid lock mechanism configured to engage a striker on a lid of the washing machine appliance to lock the lid in the closed position. The lid lock mechanism is actuated using a hydraulic actuation assembly including a water supply conduit and a hydraulic plunger, the hydraulic plunger being configured to actuate the lid lock mechanism when the water supply conduit is momentarily pressurized. Each time the lid lock mechanism is actuated, the lid lock mechanism alternates between a locked state and an unlocked state, thereby allowing the lid lock assembly to lock the lid in the closed position without any electrical harnesses and without requiring that the water supply conduit remain pressurized.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to washing machineappliances and more particularly to lid lock mechanisms for washingmachine appliances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Washing machine appliances generally include a tub for containing wateror wash liquid, e.g., water and detergent, bleach, and/or other washadditives. A basket is rotatably mounted within the tub and defines awash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. During normaloperation of such washing machine appliances, the wash liquid isdirected into the tub and onto articles within the wash chamber of thebasket. The basket or an agitation element can rotate at various speedsto agitate articles within the wash chamber, to wring wash fluid fromarticles within the wash chamber, etc.

Conventional washing machine appliances include a lid that is pivotallymounted to the washing machine appliance and is selectively movablebetween an open position and a closed position. During certain operatingcycles of the washing machine appliance, it is desirable to lock the lidin the closed position to prevent the user from accessing the washchamber. Typically, the lid includes a striker that extends from the lidand is received in a lid lock assembly when the lid is in the closedposition. The lid lock mechanism is then actuated to engage the strikerand lock the lid in the closed position.

Conventional lid lock assemblies rely on electrical power to actuate thelid lock mechanism, e.g., using a solenoid. Notably, these electricallyoperated solenoids require that electrical wiring harnesses be routedthrough the washing machine appliance to supply power to the solenoids.The electricity being supplied to the solenoids presents a safetyconcern that requires costly design provisions and fail safe mechanisms.In addition, electrically operated solenoids are typically noisy andirritating to the consumer. Furthermore, an increase in the number ofrequired components and time of assembly adds significant costs to thewashing machine appliance.

Accordingly, a washing machine appliance having an improved lid lockassembly is desirable. More particularly, a lid lock mechanism that isnot electrically actuated, that generates minimal noise duringoperation, and that improves overall appliance safety would beparticularly beneficial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter provides a lid lock assembly for a washingmachine appliance. The lid lock assembly includes a lid lock mechanismconfigured to engage a striker on a lid of the washing machine applianceto lock the lid in the closed position. The lid lock mechanism isactuated using a hydraulic actuation assembly including a water supplyconduit and a hydraulic plunger, the hydraulic plunger being configuredto actuate the lid lock mechanism when the water supply conduit ismomentarily pressurized. Each time the lid lock mechanism is actuated,the lid lock mechanism alternates between a locked state and an unlockedstate, thereby allowing the lid lock assembly to lock the lid in theclosed position without any electrical harnesses and without requiringthat the water supply conduit remain pressurized. Additional aspects andadvantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the followingdescription, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learnedthrough practice of the invention.

In one exemplary embodiment, a washing machine appliance defining avertical, a lateral, and a transverse direction is provided. The washingmachine appliance includes a cabinet, a wash tub positioned within thecabinet, and a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub, thewash basket defining a wash chamber for receiving articles for washing.A lid is rotatably hinged to the cabinet to provide selective access tothe wash chamber, and the lid includes a striker. A lid lock assembly isconfigured for locking the lid in the closed position during operationof the washing machine appliance. The lid lock assembly includes a lidlock mechanism configured to engage the striker to lock the lid in aclosed position and a hydraulic actuation assembly including a watersupply conduit and a hydraulic plunger, the hydraulic plunger beingconfigured to actuate the lid lock mechanism when water is supplied tothe water supply conduit.

In another exemplary embodiment, a lid lock assembly for a washingmachine appliance is provided. The washing machine appliance includes acabinet and a lid being pivotally attached to the cabinet, the lidincluding a striker and being configured to move between an openposition and a closed position. The lid lock assembly includes a lidlock mechanism configured to engage the striker to lock the lid in theclosed position and a hydraulic actuation assembly including a watersupply conduit and a hydraulic plunger, the hydraulic plunger beingconfigured to actuate the lid lock mechanism when water is supplied tothe water supply conduit.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdescription and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which areincorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrateembodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serveto explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including thebest mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is setforth in the specification, which makes reference to the appendedfigures.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a washing machine applianceaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter witha lid of the exemplary washing machine appliance shown in a closedposition.

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the exemplary washing machineappliance of FIG. 1 with the lid of the exemplary washing machineappliance shown in an open position.

FIG. 3 provides a cross sectional view of the exemplary washing machineappliance of FIG. 1, taken along Line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 provides a close-up cross sectional view of a lid lock mechanismof the exemplary washing machine of FIG. 1, as indicated by dotted linebox in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of the lid lock mechanism of theexemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 provides a top view of the lid lock mechanism of the exemplarywashing machine appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of a lock box of the lid lockmechanism of the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 provides a cross sectional view of the lock box of the exemplarywashing machine appliance of FIG. 1, taken along Line 8-8 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 provides a perspective view of a hydraulic actuation assemblyaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 10 provides a cross sectional view of the exemplary hydraulicactuation assembly of FIG. 9, taken along Line 10-10 of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention,one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Eachexample is provided by way of explanation of the invention, notlimitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be madein the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit ofthe invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as partof one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present inventioncovers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

FIGS. 1 through 3 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a vertical axiswashing machine appliance 100. In FIG. 1, a door or lid 130 is shown ina closed position. In FIG. 2, lid 130 is shown in an open position. FIG.3 shows a cross sectional side view of washing machine appliance 100.Washing machine appliance 100 generally defines a vertical direction V,a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, each of which ismutually perpendicular, such that an orthogonal coordinate system isgenerally defined.

While described in the context of a specific embodiment of vertical axiswashing machine appliance 100, using the teachings disclosed herein itwill be understood that vertical axis washing machine appliance 100 isprovided by way of example only. Other washing machine appliances havingdifferent configurations, different appearances, and/or differentfeatures may also be utilized with the present subject matter as well,e.g., horizontal axis washing machines.

Washing machine appliance 100 has a cabinet 102 that extends between atop portion 103 and a bottom portion 104 along the vertical direction V.A wash basket 120 (FIG. 2) is rotatably mounted within cabinet 102. Amotor (not shown) is in mechanical communication with wash basket 120 toselectively rotate wash basket 120 (e.g., during an agitation or a rinsecycle of washing machine appliance 100). Wash basket 120 is receivedwithin a wash tub or wash chamber 121 (FIG. 2) and is configured forreceipt of articles for washing. The wash tub 121 holds wash and rinsefluids for agitation in wash basket 120 within wash tub 121. Anagitation mechanism, such as an impeller 122 (FIG. 3), extends into washbasket 120 and is also in mechanical communication with the motor.Impeller 122 assists agitation of articles disposed within wash basket120 during operation of washing machine appliance 100.

Cabinet 102 of washing machine appliance 100 has a top panel 140. Toppanel 140 defines an opening 105 (FIG. 2) that permits user access towash basket 120 of wash tub 121. Lid 130, rotatably mounted to top panel140, permits selective access to opening 105; in particular, lid 130selectively rotates between the closed position shown in FIG. 1 and theopen position shown in FIG. 2. In the closed position, lid 130 inhibitsaccess to wash basket 120. Conversely, in the open position, a user canaccess wash basket 120. A window 136 in lid 130 permits viewing of washbasket 120 when lid 130 is in the closed position, e.g., duringoperation of washing machine appliance 100. Lid 130 also includes ahandle 132 that, e.g., a user may pull and/or lift when opening andclosing lid 130. Further, although lid 130 is illustrated as mounted totop panel 140, alternatively, lid 130 may be mounted to cabinet 102 orany other suitable support.

As best illustrated in FIG. 2, lid 130 may further include a striker 142extending from a bottom side of lid 130. Striker 142 may be integrallyformed with lid 130 or may be a separate part that is attached to lid130 using any suitable mechanical fastener, such as screws, bolts,rivets, etc. Similarly, glue, bonding, welding, snap-fit mechanisms,interference-fit mechanisms, or any suitable combination thereof be usedto join striker 142 to lid 130. According to the illustrated embodiment,striker 142 is configured to be received in a receiving slot 144 definedin top panel 140 when lid 130 is rotated to the closed position. As willbe described in detail below, striker 142 may be used to lock lid 130 inthe closed position during certain operating cycles of washing machineappliance 100.

A control panel 110 with at least one input selector 112 (FIG. 1)extends from top panel 140. Control panel 110 and input selector 112collectively form a user interface input for operator selection ofmachine cycles and features. A display 114 of control panel 110indicates selected features, operation mode, a countdown timer, and/orother items of interest to appliance users regarding operation.

Operation of washing machine appliance 100 is controlled by a controlleror processing device 108 (FIG. 1) that is operatively coupled to controlpanel 110 for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles andfeatures. In response to user manipulation of control panel 110,controller 108 operates the various components of washing machineappliance 100 to execute selected machine cycles and features.

Controller 108 may include a memory and microprocessor, such as ageneral or special purpose microprocessor operable to executeprogramming instructions or micro-control code associated with acleaning cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such asDRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, theprocessor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memorymay be a separate component from the processor or may be includedonboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller 100 may beconstructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination ofdiscrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches,amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and thelike) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software.Control panel 110 and other components of washing machine appliance 100may be in communication with controller 108 via one or more signal linesor shared communication busses.

During operation of washing machine appliance 100, laundry items areloaded into wash basket 120 through opening 105, and washing operationis initiated through operator manipulation of input selectors 112. Waterand/or wash additives may be added to washing machine appliance 100 toassist in the cleaning process. By way of example for a wash mode, oncewash basket 120 is properly filled with fluid, the contents of washbasket 120 can be agitated (e.g., with impeller 122 as discussedpreviously) for washing of laundry items in wash basket 120. After theagitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, wash basket 120 can bedrained and a rinse cycle may be performed. One or more spin cycles alsomay be used to wring wash fluid from the articles being washed. Afterarticles disposed in wash basket 120 are cleaned and/or washed, the usercan remove the articles from wash basket 120, e.g., by reaching intowash basket 120 through opening 105. During one or more of theseoperations, it may be desirable for locking lid 130 in the closedposition. An exemplary system for locking lid 130 will be discussedbelow.

Referring now generally to FIGS. 4 through 10, a lid lock assembly 200that may be used with washing machine appliance 100 will be described inmore detail. Although the discussion below refers to an exemplary lidlock assembly 200, one skilled in the art will appreciate that thefeatures and configurations described may be used for other lid lockingassemblies in other washing machine appliances as well. For example, lidlock assembly 200 may be positioned elsewhere within cabinet 102, mayhave different components or configurations, and may use alternativemechanisms for locking striker 142. Other variations and modificationsof the exemplary embodiment described below are possible, and suchvariations are contemplated as within the scope of the present subjectmatter.

According to an exemplary embodiment, lid lock assembly 200 may bemounted within cabinet 102 using a plurality of mounting features, usingmechanical fasteners, or in any other suitable manner. Similarly, glue,snap-fit mechanisms, interference-fit mechanisms, or any suitablecombination thereof may secure lid lock assembly 200 to cabinet 102. Oneskilled in the art will appreciate that lid lock assembly 200 may bemounted in other locations and use other mounting means according toalternative exemplary embodiments.

Referring now specifically to FIGS. 3 and 4, an exemplary embodiment oflid lock assembly 200 will be described in detail. As shown, lid lockassembly 200 generally includes a lid lock mechanism 202 that isconfigured to engage striker 142 to lock lid 130 in the closed position.More specifically, lid lock mechanism 202 is a mechanical device that isconfigured to physically contact and restrain striker 142 to prevent lid130 from pivoting open when the lid lock mechanism 202 is actuated. Aswill be described in detail below, lid lock assembly 200 also includes ahydraulic actuation assembly 204 (FIG. 9) for actuating the lid lockmechanism 202. Each of these components of lid lock assembly 200 will bedescribed in detail according to an exemplary embodiment below.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, lid lock mechanism 202 is mountedunderneath top panel 140 of cabinet 102. Lid lock mechanism 202 definesa locking slot 210 that is configured to receive striker 142. Moreparticularly, locking slot 210 of lid lock mechanism 202 coincides withreceiving slot 144 defined in top panel 140. In this manner, when lid130 is pivoted to the closed position, striker 142 slides throughreceiving slot 144 and into locking slot 210 of lid lock mechanism 202.As one skilled in the art will appreciate, lid lock mechanism 202 may beinstalled using any suitable mechanical fastener, such as screws, bolts,rivets, etc. Similarly, glue, bonding, welding, snap-fit mechanisms,interference-fit mechanisms, or any suitable combination thereof be usedto join lid lock mechanism 202 to top panel 140. Moreover, one skilledin the art will appreciate that the front center of cabinet 102 is onlyone exemplary location for lid lock mechanism 202. According toalternative embodiments, lid lock mechanism 202 may be placed at anylocation within washing machine appliance 100 where it could effectivelyrestrict movement of lid 130.

As will be described in detail below, lid lock mechanism 202 isconfigured to alternate between two states each time it is actuated—alocked state and an unlocked state. When lid 130 is pivoted to theclosed position, lid lock mechanism 202 is initially in the unlockedstate, in which case lid 130 is free to pivot between the open positionand the closed position. Lid 130 may remain in the unlocked state,according to an exemplary embodiment, any time the wash basket 120 andimpeller 122 are not rotating. Thus, according to the exemplaryembodiment, lid lock mechanism 202 may allow for a user to open lid 130and add articles of clothing to wash basket 120 when wash tub 121 isfilling with water. However, after a wash cycle has started and washbasket 120 or impeller 122 are rotating, safety concerns may necessitatecontroller 108 placing lid lock mechanism 202 in the locked state.

When lid lock mechanism 202 is placed in the locked state while lid 130is in the closed position, lid 130 is thereafter prevented from pivotalmovement until lid lock mechanism 202 is placed in the unlocked state.One skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of lid lockmechanisms 202 may be used to engage striker 142, thereby placing lid130 in the locked state. Although one exemplary lid lock mechanism 202is described below, any other suitable means of engaging striker 142 andrestricting movement of lid 130 may be within the scope of the presentsubject matter.

The locking feature of lid lock mechanism 202 is a slide locking member212, which is slidably mounted within lid lock mechanism 202. Morespecifically, slide locking member 212 is configured to slide along thetransverse direction T when lid lock mechanism 202 is mounted in washingmachine appliance 100 as shown in FIG. 4. According to the exemplaryembodiment, locking slide member 212 is urged toward the lockedposition, e.g., by a mechanical spring 214, but is free to slide alongthe transverse direction T when displaced by striker 142. Thus, whenstriker 142 is inserted into locking slot 210, and when lid lockmechanism 202 is in the unlocked state, locking slide member 212 mayfreely slide back and forth along the transverse direction T to allowstriker 142 to move into and out of locking slot 210 (i.e., lid is“unlocked”).

By contrast, when lid lock mechanism 202 is in the locked state, lockingslide member 212 is in an extended position and is restrained frommoving along the transverse direction T, e.g., by a lock box 220 asdescribed below. In this manner, when striker 142 is inserted intolocking slot 210, and when lid lock mechanism 202 is in the lockedstate, locking slide member 212 is prevented from sliding such that itclamps or pins striker 142 within locking slot 210. More specifically,due to a cantilevered portion 216 defined on striker 142, striker 142may not be retracted from locking slot 210 when locking slide member 212is in the locked state. Therefore, when lid 130 is in the closedposition, such that striker 142 (including cantilevered portion 216) isinserted through receiving slot 144 and locking slot 210, and whenlocking slide member 212 engages striker 142 and is in the lockedposition, lid 130 may not be pivoted to the open position.

Referring generally to FIGS. 4 through 8, an exemplary mechanism forplacing locking slide member 212 in the locked state will be described.As explained above, locking slide member 212 may generally slide backand forth within lid lock mechanism 202. However, a lid lock mechanism202 further includes lock box 220, which is configured to place lockingslide member 212 in either the locked or the unlocked state. As bestshown in FIGS. 7 and 8, lock box 220 includes a locking pin 222 which isconfigured for engaging locking slide member 212 to place it in thelocked position. Locking pin 222 is shown in its retracted state in FIG.7, i.e., locking pin 222 is flush with the surface of lock box 220.However, when locking pin 222 is in its extended state, it is configuredto engage locking slide member 212. More specifically, locking pin 222is configured to engage a track (not shown) in locking slide member 212and prevent further sliding motion of locking slide member 212 along thetransverse direction T, which as described above, locks lid 130 in theclosed position.

Although a variety of mechanisms may be used to place locking pin 222 inthe extended (i.e., “locking” position), a cam mechanism 228 is usedaccording to the exemplary illustrated embodiment. Although the detailsof operation of cam mechanism 228 are beyond the scope of the presentapplication, as best shown in FIG. 8, cam mechanism 228 includes severalrotating members which engage each other and are configured to extendlocking pin 222 when an actuating cam 230 is rotated and latched in theclockwise direction (as shown in FIG. 8). Conventional lid locks use asolenoid to rotate actuating cam 230, but excess costs and safety issuesmay be avoided by providing an alternative actuating means for theactuating cam 230. As is described in detail below, one such actuatingmeans is hydraulic actuation assembly 204.

Referring now to FIG. 8, prior art lid locks that required a solenoid torotate actuating cam 230 by pulling actuating cam 230 to rotate it abouta cam pivot point 232. According to the exemplary embodiment, hydraulicactuation assembly 204 rotates actuating cam 230 in the same manner,except that it pushes on actuating cam 230 to rotate actuating cam 230about cam pivot point 232. More specifically, hydraulic actuationassembly 204 contacts actuating cam 230 on contact surface 234, causingactuating cam 230 to rotate about cam pivot point 232. In order toaccess contact surface, lid lock mechanism 202 and lock box 220 maydefine an aperture 236. Hydraulic actuation assembly 204 may be mountedto lid lock mechanism 202 using mechanical fasteners or in any othersuitable manner such that hydraulic actuation assembly 204 may accesscontacting surface 234 through aperture 236.

According to the illustrated embodiment, hydraulic actuation assembly204 may generally include a plunger housing 250 and a water supplyconduit 252. A hydraulically-actuated plunger 254 may be slidablyreceived within plunger housing 250 and is configured to move between aretracted position and an extended position. When plunger 254 moves tothe extended position, it engages contact surface 234 and rotates cammechanism 228 of lock box 220. Immediately following its extension,plunger 254 is retracted. Notably, movement of plunger 254 from aretracted position, to an extended position, and then back to theretracted position constitutes a single actuation event of cam mechanism228 of lock box 220. Each time lock box 220 is actuated, lid lockmechanism 202 alternates between a locked state and an unlocked state,i.e., locking slide member 212 is locked in a latched position or isfree to slide along the transverse direction T, respectively.

Referring now specifically to FIGS. 9 and 10, details of hydraulicactuation assembly 204 will be described. According to the illustratedembodiment, plunger housing 250 has a first end 262 and a second end 264and defines an axial direction A and radial direction R. First end 262is configured to receive water supply conduit 252 that is placed in flowcommunication with a plunger chamber 268. For example, first end 262 isan open end on which water supply conduit 252 may be received andsecured, e.g., using a clamp. Second end 264 of plunger housing 250defines an aperture 270 through which plunger 254 may extend.

Plunger housing 250 comprises a first cylinder 272 that is proximatefirst end 262 and a second cylinder 274 that is proximate second end264. First cylinder 272 and second cylinder 274 may be integrallyformed, e.g., via injection molding, or may be separate components thatare operably coupled, e.g., via spin welding. Notably, first cylinder272 has a larger diameter than second cylinder 274. In this manner,plunger housing 250 defines a flange 276 that extends inwardly along theradial direction R from first cylinder 272. Although the illustratedembodiment of plunger housing 250 includes first and second cylinders272, 274, one skilled in the art will appreciate that a plunger housinghaving a different cross sectional shape or configuration could be usedwithout departing from the scope of the present subject matter.

According to the illustrated embodiment, plunger 254 also defines afirst portion 280 and a second portion 282. First portion 280 isslidably received within plunger chamber 268. In addition, first portion280 may define one or more ridges 284 that extend circumferentiallyaround first portion 280 and are configured to receive a gasket or seal,e.g., O-ring 286. O-rings 286 provide a seal to prevent water fromplunger chamber 268 from leaking out of hydraulic actuation assembly204. Second portion 282 of plunger 254 is slidably received in secondcylinder 274 of plunger housing 250 and may slide in and out of plungerhousing 250 through aperture 270. First portion 280 and second portion282 may be integrally formed, e.g., via injection molding, or may beseparate components that are operably coupled, e.g., via spin welding.Notably, first portion 280 has a larger diameter than second portion282. In this manner, plunger 254 defines a shoulder 288 that extendsoutwardly along the radial direction R from second portion 282.

When plunger 254 moves toward the extended position, flange 276 ofplunger housing 250 and shoulder 288 of plunger 254 engage to preventplunger 254 from sliding out of plunger housing 250. According to theillustrated embodiment, a spring 290 may be positioned around secondportion 282 of plunger 254 within plunger housing 250. In this manner,spring 290 may urge plunger 254 into the retracted position when plungerchamber 268 is depressurized. However, one skilled in the art willappreciate that alternative embodiments need not include spring 290. Inaddition, other alterations and configurations to hydraulic actuationassembly 204 may be made while remaining within the scope of the presentsubject matter. For example, a protruding ridge may be defined on aninner surface of first cylinder 272 of plunger housing 250 to preventplunger 254 from retracting too far into plunger housing 250.

During operation of hydraulic actuation assembly 204, water is suppliedthrough water supply conduit 252 to pressurize plunger chamber 268. Whenplunger chamber 268 is pressurized, plunger 254 is urged toward theextended position, such that spring 290 is compressed, second portion ofplunger 282 extends through aperture 270 and engages contact surface 234of lock box 220. More specifically, according to the illustratedembodiment, an actuating pin 292 that is attached to second portion 282of plunger 254 engages contact surface 234.

After plunger chamber 268 has been pressurized and plunger 254 hasreached the extended position, plunger 254 must be moved toward theretracted position to complete actuation of the lid lock mechanism 202.To achieve this, a pressure relief port 300 is placed in flowcommunication with plunger chamber 268. For example, plunger relief port300 may be a small pipe, preferably smaller in diameter than firstcylinder 272 of plunger housing 250 that extends from plunger housing250. Pressure relief port 300 may be constantly open to depressurizeplunger chamber 268, and may route drained water into wash tub 121 orany other suitable drain.

Referring again to FIG. 3, hydraulic actuation assembly 204 may furtherinclude a valve 302 for controlling the flow of water through watersupply conduit 252. For example, valve 302 may be positioned withincontrol panel 110 and may be a solenoid valve that is electricallyconnected to controller 108. However, any other suitable valve may beused to control the flow of water through water supply conduit 252.Controller 108 may selectively open and close valve 302 to allow waterto flow from a water supply 304 through water supply conduit 252.Therefore, when it is desirable to lock lid 130, e.g., during a spincycle, controller 108 may open valve 302 to supply water to water supplyconduit 252, pressurize plunger chamber 268, drive plunger 254, androtate cam mechanism 228 of lock box 220. Notably, valve 302 need onlybe opened momentarily, e.g., less than one second, to pressurize plungerchamber 268. Thereafter, valve 302 is closed and pressure in plungerchamber 268 is relieved through pressure relief port 300. As pressure isrelieved, plunger 254 moves toward the retracted position, and actuationof lock box 220 is complete, thereby locking lid lock mechanism 202. Thesame process may be repeated to unlock lid lock mechanism 202.

Because lid lock mechanism 202 is only effective for locking lid 130when lid 130 is in the closed position, it is desirable to have afeedback mechanism that indicates when lid 130 is in the closed positionand lid lock mechanism 202 is engaging striker 142, thereby preventinglid 130 from pivoting into the open position. For example, a feedbackmechanism may be any suitable electrical continuity circuit that isclosed only when striker 142 is inserted into locking slot 210 and lidlock mechanism 202 is in the locked state, thus engaging striker 142.One exemplary feedback mechanism 310 including a continuity circuit isillustrated in FIG. 8. When striker 142 is inserted into lid lockmechanism 202, locking slide member 212 may be configured to establishan electrical connection between a first electrical terminal 312 and asecond electrical terminal 315. This connection may be achieved, forexample, by allowing a conductive strip (not shown) connected to secondelectrical terminal 315 to lower and touch a pin (not shown) connectedthrough first electrical terminal 312. In addition, when locking pin 222is in the extended (i.e., “locked”) state, an electrical connection maybe established between a third electrical terminal 316 and secondelectrical terminal 315. This connection may be achieved, for example,by allowing a conductive strip 314 connected to second electricalterminal 315 to lower and touch a contact on third electrical terminal316. When these two electrical connections are established, a circuitmay be completed that may be sensed, e.g., via electrical terminals 312,315, 316, by controller 108, indicating that lid 130 is closed andlocked. In addition to the method used above, one skilled in the artwill appreciate that many alternative means for establishing suchelectrical connections are possible and known in the art.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that in addition to theconfigurations of lid lock assembly 200 described herein, alternativeconfigurations of lid lock assembly 200 are possible and within thescope of the present subject matter. For example, although lid lockmechanism 202 is located within top panel 140, it may be locatedelsewhere within washing machine appliance 100. In addition, analternative lid lock mechanism 202 or cam mechanism 228 may be used, andthe size, shape, and configuration of locking slide member 212 andstriker 142 may be modified while remaining within the scope of thepresent subject matter. Other configurations are also possible.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal languages of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A washing machine appliance defining a vertical,a lateral, and a transverse direction, the washing machine appliancecomprising: a cabinet; a wash tub positioned within the cabinet; a washbasket rotatably mounted within the wash tub, the wash basket defining awash chamber for receiving articles for washing; a lid being rotatablyhinged to the cabinet to provide selective access to the wash chamber,the lid comprising a striker; and a lid lock assembly configured forlocking the lid in the closed position during operation of the washingmachine appliance, the lid lock assembly comprising: a lid lockmechanism configured to engage the striker to lock the lid in a closedposition; and a hydraulic actuation assembly comprising a water supplyconduit and a hydraulic plunger, the hydraulic plunger being configuredto actuate the lid lock mechanism when water is supplied to the watersupply conduit.
 2. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein thelid lock assembly further comprises a plunger housing in flowcommunication with the water supply conduit, the hydraulic plunger beingslidably received in the plunger housing such that the hydraulic plungerslides into an extended position to actuate the lid lock mechanism whenthe water supply conduit is pressurized and into a retracted positionwhen the water supply conduit is depressurized.
 3. The washing machineappliance of claim 2, wherein the plunger housing is a cylindrical pipedefining a first end operably coupled with the water supply conduit anda second end through which the hydraulic plunger extends, the second endof the plunger housing defining a flange that extends radially inward toengage a shoulder on the hydraulic plunger that extends radially outwardto prevent the hydraulic plunger from sliding out of the plungerhousing.
 4. The washing machine appliance of claim 3, wherein a springis positioned around the hydraulic plunger between the flange and theshoulder to urge the hydraulic plunger toward the retracted position. 5.The washing machine appliance of claim 2, wherein the water supplyconduit is depressurized by bleeding water through a pressure reliefport placed in flow communication with the plunger housing.
 6. Thewashing machine appliance of claim 2, wherein the lid lock assemblyfurther comprises a valve, the valve being configured to regulate theflow of water from a water supply to the water supply conduit topressurize the water supply conduit and move the hydraulic plungertoward the extended position or depressurize the water supply conduitand move the hydraulic plunger toward the retracted position.
 7. Thewashing machine appliance of claim 6, wherein the lid lock mechanism isactuated by momentarily opening the valve to move the hydraulic plungerinto the extended position and then closing the valve to allow thehydraulic plunger to move toward the retracted state, and wherein eachtime the lid lock mechanism is actuated, the lid lock mechanismalternates between a locked state and an unlocked state.
 8. The washingmachine appliance of claim 6, wherein the valve is a solenoid valvepositioned within a control panel of the washing machine appliance. 9.The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the lid lock assemblyfurther comprises a feedback mechanism for indicating when the lid isclosed and the lid lock mechanism is engaging the striker or when thelid lock mechanism is disengaged and the lid is not restricted frompivotal movement.
 10. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, whereinthe lid lock mechanism is a cam mechanism.
 11. The washing machineappliance of claim 1, wherein the washing machine appliance is a topload washing machine.
 12. A lid lock assembly for a washing machineappliance, the washing machine appliance comprising a cabinet and a lidbeing pivotally attached to the cabinet, the lid comprising a strikerand being configured to move between an open position and a closedposition, the lid lock assembly comprising: a lid lock mechanismconfigured to engage the striker to lock the lid in the closed position;and a hydraulic actuation assembly comprising a water supply conduit anda hydraulic plunger, the hydraulic plunger being configured to actuatethe lid lock mechanism when water is supplied to the water supplyconduit.
 13. The lid lock assembly of claim 12, wherein the lid lockassembly further comprises a plunger housing in flow communication withthe water supply conduit, the hydraulic plunger being slidably receivedin the plunger housing such that the hydraulic plunger slides into anextended position to actuate the lid lock mechanism when the watersupply conduit is pressurized and into a retracted position when thewater supply conduit is depressurized.
 14. The lid lock assembly ofclaim 13, wherein the plunger housing is a cylindrical pipe defining afirst end operably coupled with the water supply conduit and a secondend through which the hydraulic plunger extends, the second end of theplunger housing defining a flange that extends radially inward to engagea shoulder on the hydraulic plunger that extends radially outward toprevent the hydraulic plunger from sliding out of the plunger housing.15. The lid lock assembly of claim 14, wherein a spring is positionedaround the hydraulic plunger between the flange and the shoulder to urgethe hydraulic plunger toward the retracted position.
 16. The lid lockassembly of claim 13, wherein the water supply conduit is depressurizedby bleeding water through a pressure relief port placed in flowcommunication with the plunger housing.
 17. The lid lock assembly ofclaim 13, wherein the lid lock assembly further comprises a valve, thevalve being configured to regulate the flow of water from a water supplyto the water supply conduit to pressurize the water supply conduit andmove the hydraulic plunger toward the extended position or depressurizethe water supply conduit and move the hydraulic plunger toward theretracted position.
 18. The lid lock assembly of claim 17, wherein thelid lock mechanism is actuated by momentarily opening the valve to movethe hydraulic plunger into the extended position and then closing thevalve to allow the hydraulic plunger to move toward the retracted state,and wherein each time the lid lock mechanism is actuated, the lid lockmechanism alternates between a locked state and an unlocked state. 19.The lid lock assembly of claim 17, wherein the valve is a solenoid valvepositioned within a control panel of the washing machine appliance. 20.The lid lock assembly of claim 12, wherein the lid lock assembly furthercomprises a feedback mechanism for indicating when the lid is closed andthe lid lock mechanism is engaging the striker or when the lid lockmechanism is disengaged and the lid is not restricted from pivotalmovement.